2010 Volkswagen Jetta
This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 0 |
| 1981 | 0 |
| 1982 | 0 |
| 1983 | 0 |
| 1984 | 1 |
| 1985 | 13 |
| 1986 | 14 |
| 1987 | 18 |
| 1988 | 19 |
| 1989 | 28 |
| 1990 | 22 |
| 1991 | 31 |
| 1992 | 30 |
| 1993 | 17 |
| 1994 | 117 |
| 1995 | 220 |
| 1996 | 31 |
| 1997 | 54 |
| 1998 | 192 |
| 1999 | 349 |
| 2000 | 439 |
| 2001 | 668 |
| 2002 | 702 |
| 2003 | 455 |
| 2004 | 231 |
| 2005 | 248 |
| 2006 | 580 |
| 2007 | 201 |
| 2008 | 188 |
| 2009 | 888 |
| 2010 | 852 |
| 2011 | 606 |
| 2012 | 499 |
| 2013 | 515 |
| 2014 | 386 |
| 2015 | 193 |
| 2016 | 160 |
| 2017 | 158 |
| 2018 | 30 |
| 2019 | 537 |
| 2020 | 51 |
| 2021 | 65 |
| 2022 | 41 |
| 2023 | 41 |
| 2024 | 36 |
| 2025 | 21 |
| 2026 | 3 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
27% of complaints: electrical system — 226 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2010 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE CONTACT WAS REVERSING 5 MPH FROM A RESIDENTIAL DRIVEWAY WHEN THE EPS AND MALFUNCTION INDICATOR WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED ON THE DASHBOARD.
NHTSA ODI report, 20100818
1) IGNITION SWITCH - yes 2) car wont turn off, key is stuck and wont allow to be turned off. this is dangerous for car to be left on.
NHTSA ODI report, 20230924
19% of complaints: fuel system, diesel — 166 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIREShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2010 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA. THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED WHEN THE CONTACT NOTICED FLAMES COMING FROM UNDER THE HOOD AREA. THE FIRE DEPARTMENT WAS CALLED TO EXTINGUISH THE FIRE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120504
14% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 122 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE14% of complaints: engine — 117 distinct reports on file.
FIRE10% of complaints: power train — 81 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRESAFETY TIMELINE
VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2009 AND 2010 PASSENGER CARS MANUFACTURED BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 2008 AND AUGUST 2009. THE WIRING HARNESS OF A TEMPERATURE SENSOR IN THE DIRECT SHIFT GEARBOX (DS
Remedy: VOLKSWAGEN WILL REPROGRAM THE TRANSMISSION CONTROL MODULE WITH UPDATED SOFTWARE FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON OCTOBER 20, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT VOLKSWAGEN AT 1-800-822-8987.
Campaign 09V333000 — check if this car was fixed
High Pressure Fuel Pump Failure (HPFP)
VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2010 JETTA, NEW BEETLE, NEW BEETLE CONVERTIBLE, MODEL YEAR 2009 JETTA SPORTWAGEN AND MODEL YEAR 2007-2009 RABBIT VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH 2.5L ENGINES. T
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT AND IF NECESSARY REPLACE THE UNDERHOOD FUEL LINE. ADDITIONALLY, DEPENDING ON THE VEHICLE MODEL, DEALERS WILL EITHER REMOVE THE PLASTIC TAB FROM THE WINDSHIELD WASHER FLUID RESERV
Campaign 10V621000 — check if this car was fixed
High-Pressure Fuel Pump Failure
Diesel Fuel Injector Line Leakage
VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL 2009-2012 JETTA AND JETTA SPORTWAGEN VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM MAY 2008 THROUGH SEPTEMBER 2011, MODEL YEAR 2010-2012 VOLKSWAGEN GOLF VEHICLES, MANUFACTURED FROM
Remedy: VOLKSWAGEN WILL INSTALL AN IMPROVED FUEL INJECTOR LINE FOR THE NUMBER 2 CYLINDER ON CERTAIN VEHICLES AND WILL INSTALL VIBRATION DAMPERS ON ALL OF THE INJECTOR LINES. VOLKSWAGEN AND AUDI WILL NOTIFY O
Campaign 11V490000 — check if this car was fixed
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2009-2010 Volkswagen Jetta A5 Sedan, 2009 Volkswagen Jetta SportWagen, Eos, GTI, Rabbit and Audi A3 vehicles, and 2010 Volkswagen Golf A6 vehicles.
Remedy: Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will update the ABS control module software to improve the module's self-testing abilities. Any module that fails the new diagnostic test will be replaced. These repairs will be made free of charge.
Campaign 16V913000 — check if this car was fixed
Air Bag Clockspring Failure
Tenneco Automotive (Tenneco) is recalling certain Beck/Arnley Master Cylinders, part number 072-9831, sold as aftermarket or replacement parts for 2004-2018 Volkswagen Jetta, and 2012-2019 Volkswagen Beetle vehicles.
Remedy: Beck/Arnley will notify the distributors that sold the master cylinders and will work with the distributors to notify the end users. Affected master cylinders will be exchanged for a new master cylinder (part number 072-9990), free of charge.
Campaign 20E064000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2010 Volkswagen Jetta — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (226 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel system, diesel issues (166 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (122 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 09V333000 (power train) has been completed.
- Verify recall 10V621000 (fuel system, gasoline) has been completed.
- Verify recall 11V490000 (fuel system, diesel) has been completed.
- Verify recall 16V913000 (electronic stability control (esc), service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
- Verify recall 20E064000 (service brakes, hydraulic) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2010 Volkswagen Jetta reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2010 Volkswagen Jetta is rated "significantly worse".
What are the most common problems with the 2010 Volkswagen Jetta?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 27% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2010 Volkswagen Jetta have?
5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.